Ruth Uselton named to ‘Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40’ list

The market for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender lawyers has spiked, particularly in the United States as individual states legalize gay marriage. High-profile cases involving transgendered defendants have highlighted the need for legal counsel that are aware of the needs of LGBT clients — the case of Chelsea Manning has arguably been the most publicized in the last year. Certain lawyers have made names for themselves in this burgeoning field, none the least of which is Ruth S. Uselton, an associate in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office.

Uselton has been named to the National LGBT Bar Association’s “Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40” list. The list seeks to honor LGBT legal workers under the age of 40 who have “demonstrated excellence in their fields and have shown a deep commitment to LGBT equality,” according to Ballard Spahr.

She stated: “I am honored to be recognized by the Bar, and I’m humbled to be in the company of this year’s class of impressive awardees.”

Uselton is a litigation associate at the firm, and focuses on consumer class action and antitrust work. The company notes that she has represented a leading life insurer in a putative class action suit, a health care data analytics company in an antitrust case, and a real estate investment fund in multiple putative class actions. She is a member of Equality Ballard — a group for LGBT lawyers, and is an active participant in coordinating events associated with other groups involved in LGBT work including local law schools and the Philadelphia Bar Association's LGBT Rights Committee.

Her pro bono service also bears mentioning as she has devoted nearly 1,200 hours to pro bono work, has built a pro bono practice in asylum law, and has been a part of 15 asylum cases. But this type of interest in representing the underserved and members of the LGBT community has stemmed from her years in law school, having been active in promoting legal topics around the subject, and engaging with the community outside of law practice.

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